The 2026 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nominees have now been announced, and the shortlist features a trio of standout performers: Brad O'Neill and Adam Keighran from the Wigan Warriors, together with Lachie Miller of the Leeds Rhinos. The selection was made by an elite panel consisting of five former Man of Steel winners – Ellery Hanley, Sam Tomkins, James Roby, Joe Lydon and Paul Sculthorpe – who trimmed an original pool of twelve candidates down to the final three.
The judging process was methodical and spread across the Super League season. The panel convened three times, each meeting covering a distinct segment of the campaign: the first nine rounds, rounds ten to eighteen, and the final stretch from round nineteen to twenty‑seven.
After each review, the judges identified a top‑five group for that period. Over the course of the season, the following players earned a place in at least one of those top‑five selections: Brad O'Neill, Adam Keighran, Lachie Miller, Jake Connor, Umyla Hanley, Jez Litten, Tyrone May, Brodie Croft, Daryl Clark, Ash Handley, Bevan French and Jai Field. Despite a spectacular year for Leeds, reigning Man of Steel Connor did not make the ultimate shortlist.
His season was highlighted by an extraordinary 43 assists – nearly twice the tally of any other playmaker in the competition – underscoring his creative influence even though the award ultimately went elsewhere. Ellery Hanley, who also sat on the selection panel, managed to place himself in the top‑five on two separate occasions, a feat matched only by O'Neill and Miller. Nevertheless, Hanley fell outside the final three. Keighran, on the other hand, secured a top‑five spot during the last third of the season, reinforcing his consistency as the campaign drew to a close.
Brad O'Neill, the hard‑charging hooker, entered the shortlist after already clinching the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA) Player of the Year award. His contributions helped Wigan Warriors achieve a treble‑winning season, capturing the League Leaders’ Shield, the Challenge Cup and a dominant performance within 80 minutes of the Grand Final. At 24, O'Neill’s blend of aggressive tackling, precise distribution and remarkable durability has seen him become a cornerstone of Matt Peet’s side, which is relentlessly pursuing further silverware. Australian full‑back Lachie Miller has been a Man of Steel contender since the early weeks of the season.
He topped the panel’s first voting round after the opening nine matches, thanks to his electrifying attacking play and defensive work rate. Miller’s statistics speak volumes: he has recorded a staggering 166 tackle busts – the highest total of any player this term – and his dynamic running has repeatedly shifted the momentum in Leeds’ favour, especially during periods when the Rhinos led the league standings. Adam Keighran capped off the regular season with 16 tries and an impressive 107 goal conversions. Beyond his scoring prowess, he has earned recognition for his robust defensive presence and the seamless partnership he forged with prolific winger Zach Eckersley, whose own try‑scoring exploits complemented Keighran’s all‑round game.
The Super League playoffs are now in full swing, broadcast live on Sky Sports and set to continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Upcoming fixtures include Wakefield Trinity’s 26‑16 victory over Leigh Leopards on Friday, 18 September, and Warrington Wolves’ 35‑12 win against Hull KR on Saturday, 19 September. The semi‑finals are scheduled as follows: Leeds Rhinos will face Warrington Wolves on Friday, 25 September at 8 pm (KO on Sky Sports), while Wigan Warriors take on Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, 26 September at 5:30 pm (KO on Sky Sports). As the playoffs progress, the three shortlisted players – O'Neill, Keighran and Miller – will be closely watched to see if their season‑long excellence translates into the ultimate individual honour.
Their performances have already left an indelible mark on the 2026 campaign, and the final Man of Steel decision promises to be a compelling conclusion to a year filled with remarkable talent, fierce competition and unforgettable moments on the rugby league field.